In a typical week, I spend about $160 for groceries. This feeds 4 adults and one toddler. I cook 5 dinners and have a variety of snacks, lunches, and breakfasts. This budget also includes wine and coffee, the two staples of SAHM life. I tend to do most of my shopping at Trader Joe’s, Kroger, and Fresh Market with occassional trips to the farmers market.
I do a mix of some prepackaged and made from scratch foods. When planning for the week, I try to balance time, taste, healthy and price. I think I find a great balance. I do try to avoid as much processed food as possible but that does not always happen. Nobody is perfect.
This is my sheet for the week.
(my average prices do not include spices, butter, oil, etc)
Monday
Teriyaki Pork Tenderlion & Vegetable Fried Rice (@$7)
- Marinated Pork Tenderloin $3.99 (part of a BOGO at Kroger last week)
- Vegetable Fried Rice $2.29 (Trader Joe’s)
- Eggs $0.28 x2
This was an easy day. Baked pork tenderloin according to package instructions. I chose to use pre packaged fried rice. Easy simple and has tons of veggies, I just added the egg a few minutes before serving.
Tuesday
Chicken Corn Chili (@$10)
- Green Chiles $0.79
- White Beans $0.69 x2 (can)
- Chicken $2.99 (Tuesdays from Fresh Market, $2.99 lb)
- Chicken Broth $0.98 (½ )
- Sour Cream $0.75 (⅓ a container)
- Cheese $1.25 (½ )
- Jalapeno $0.08
- Onion $0.79
- Corn $0.79 (can)
This recipe produces plenty of leftovers.
Wednesday
Baked Ham Sandwiches (@$22)
- Hawaiian Rolls $6.00
- Swiss Cheese $2.00
- Sliced Ham $7.50
- Onion $0.79
- Fries $4.58 (Garlic fries from Trader Joe’s, two packages)
This recipe makes 24 sandwiches (two packs of rolls). This evening we had friends over so we cooked for 5 adults, one teenager, and a toddler.
Friday
Pizza Bread & Salad (@$12)
- Italian Cheese $2.49
- Sliced Pepperoni $2.50
- Canned Biscuits $1.47 x2
- Marinara Sauce $2.79
- Bagged Salad $1.19
This recipe is a great alternative to delivery pizza. I sometimes throw in diced bell pepper or mushrooms. You can also use ground beef or diced chicken. Feel free to use fresh lettuce, I used the bagged this week because it was on manager’s special at Kroger.
Saturday
Korean Beef Noodles (@$6)
- Ramen Noodles $0.60 (3 packs)
- Ground Beef $3.02 (Tuesdays from Fresh Market, $2.99 lb)
- Onion $0.79
- Scallions $0.69
- Korean BBQ Sauce $0.99 (large jar from farmers market $4.99)
This is simple but yummy. Saute onion and ground beef with sauce until well done and the sauce starts to caramelize. Make noodles according to packet (all 3). Only use one packet of spices and a little bit of beef stock. Top with scallions. Sometimes I choose to do rice instead. There is usually leftover meat that we use for “tacos” for lunch.
5 meals for less than $60. Wednesday night was a little pricey but that meal was a request from my husband.
~Just a little sidenote~
When a recipe calls for shredded chicken, clean and slice the chicken breasts and baked in the oven (375 for 20 minutes) with a little salt and pepper. Once done I will toss it in the bowl for my Kitchen Aid mixer and set it on 5. Perfectly shredded chicken in less than 5 minutes
3 Comments
I have tried a few different apps, not that one though. I am old school. I love paper. and cookbooks. But I will definitely check it out, Maybe I just haven”t found the right one
Have you tried the app Pepper plate? I meal plan and used to write it all out, but have found this app to save me so much time. You can import recipes and then add ingredients directly to a shopping list. The shopping list is categorized and you can customize it to your stores order of aisles. There is also a planner section.
I love this meal plan! What I find most inspiring is that the food costs, even at Trader Joe’s, are so much less than where I live in New York. For longer visits I am definitely going to take advantage of cooking for my hosts when we visit 🙂